Chimney, Dryer Vent and Air Duct FAQ

The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. During that inspection we check for creosote, soot and debris, and we recommend a sweep when buildup is found. If you burn wood often, your chimney will usually need sweeping more often than one that sees light use.

A sweep clears creosote and soot from the flue, smoke chamber and firebox. It also removes debris such as leaves, fallen masonry and animal nests. All of these can block the draft or catch fire.

Yes. Oil-fired systems leave soot that can build up and restrict the flue. Gas appliances burn cleaner but still produce moisture and can draw in debris or nesting animals. Either type should be part of the yearly inspection the NFPA 211 standard calls for.

A Level 1 inspection is for a system that hasn't changed and is in regular use. A Level 2 inspection is used when something changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when the home is sold. A Level 3 inspection is needed when a hidden hazard can only be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.

A home sale is one of the situations that calls for a Level 2 inspection. It gives buyers and sellers a clear picture of the chimney's condition before closing. It can also turn up repairs that are easier to plan for ahead of time.

In New York City, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of an oil-to-gas conversion. A new liner is often needed, because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. We inspect the existing flue and tell you whether a liner installation is required.

Watch for crumbling or flaking bricks, cracked mortar joints, white staining on the masonry, water in the firebox, and a damper that sticks or won't seal. Strong odors or smoke coming into the room are also warning signs. We can assess the problem and explain whether it calls for a repair, waterproofing or a partial rebuild.

A chimney cap sits over the flue opening and keeps out rain, animals and debris while letting smoke escape. A chase cover seals the top of a framed or sided chimney chase so water can't get into the structure. Damaged or missing ones are a common source of leaks.

Brick and mortar absorb water, and repeated freezing and thawing breaks them down over time. Waterproofing applies a water repellent that sheds rain while still letting the masonry release moisture. It's usually done after any needed repairs, so the surface is sound first.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in homes. Common signs of a clog are clothes needing more than one cycle, a dryer or laundry room that gets unusually hot, a burning smell, or little airflow at the outside vent. Lint can build up anywhere along the duct, not just in the lint trap.

The U.S. EPA advises cleaning air ducts when there is substantial visible mold growth, signs of vermin, or excessive dust and debris. If none of those apply, cleaning may not be necessary. We'll tell you honestly what we see.

The EPA says duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, so we don't promise that it will. The EPA also advises researching the process before responding to very cheap advertised offers, and being careful with chemical treatments. We'll explain exactly what we plan to do before any work starts.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, don't use it for at least a day before the visit so the ashes are cool. Clear a few feet of space around the fireplace, appliance or dryer, and move fragile items off the mantel. Let us know about any parking or building access rules.

Most sweeps, inspections and dryer vent cleanings are done in a single visit. Repairs, liner installations and rebuilding take longer and are scheduled separately. We lay down drop cloths and use vacuums to contain soot and dust, and we clean up the work area before we leave.

Please keep pets in a separate room with the door closed while we work. Doors may be open and equipment may be noisy, and soot and debris aren't safe for animals to walk through. This also keeps them from slipping out of the house.

In rowhouses we may reach the roof through a hatch or bulkhead, or from the street with ladders where that's safe and allowed. In apartment buildings, roof and flue access usually goes through the super or management office. Tell us who to contact when you book so access is arranged before we arrive.